Sherdog’s Top 10: MMA’s Most Dangerous Weapons

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2. Jon Jones’ Elbows

The world was officially introduced to Jones’ weapon of choice at “The Ultimate Fighter 10” Finale Finale in 2009, as an otherwise dominant performance was marred when the New York native was disqualified for using 12-to-6 elbows against Matt Hamill.

Unfortunately for future opponents, Jones was not discouraged by the setback, and his elbows have continued to leave a mark ever since. Brandon Vera will not soon forget the strikes that broke his cheekbone in three places, nor the resulting surgery that left him joking that the hardware in his face consistently set off airport metal detectors. Likewise, Vladimir Matyushenko certainly remembers the feeling of helplessness as the future UFC light heavyweight champion pummeled him with those same elbows from a mounted crucifix position at UFC Live 2.

Perhaps no moment demonstrates the influence of a Jones elbow more than his most recent win over Lyoto Machida at UFC 140. For a round, Machida used his odd movement and striking to keep Jones guessing, leaving some to wonder if the Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts representative had finally met his match. It took only a couple of well-placed elbows on the ground in round two to change that line of thinking. Not only was “The Dragon” bleeding from his forehead, but his will appeared to be sapped, as well. The highlight reels might focus on the guillotine choke that sealed the victory, but it was the elbows that set it all up.

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